The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-10-16
CLEVELAND IN THE SOUTH
A Big Procession, Speeches and Pub
lie Reception Yesterday at Memphis.
The Ceremonies Interrupted by the Sudden
Death of Judge Elicit, Who Is Overcome
BY Heat and Expires on the Platform.

MEMPHIS Oct. 15.-The managers of the
presidential reception are quite chagrned over
the little mishap of yesterday, and were in con-
sultasion long after midnight with regard to the
proceedings of to-day. This morning the COM
mittees were promptly on hand, but the late
hours of last night caused a delay in starting the
procession of carriages and again upset the COM
mittee's arrangements. No harm was done be-
yond a curtailment of the opportunity offered
the President to the town. Memphis is not
yet beautiful city; it bears too many of the
scars of war and pestence, but it is a very busy
one. the old-tme Architecture, showing
small and rusty fronts prevails largely, but in
its main business thoroughfares modern struct-
ures Of substantial appearance showing
themselves. while the wharves and warehouses
show the seething, pushing energy of its bust
ness men and give promise of prosperous
future.
The procession, headed by band and the mil
itary. moved from the hotel at a quarter before
10 o'clock. The ride through the town full
of interest The decorations are probably more
elaborate and more general than those of any
place yet visited by the President with the pos
sible exception of Madison. Whatever gay
colors could do to make the occasion a success
has been done. Twice along the line of march
beautiful bouquets of flowers in unique designs
were lowered into the Presidents carriage.
Twice many people as were seen in town
before were upon the streets, but good order
was preserved by the mounted marshals. The
large handsomely dressed stand in the center
of Court square was reached by the President
about halt past 10, and the formalties of the re-
ception begun. The formal speech of well
come delivered by Judge Fl. T. Elicit, of
the Chancery Court, courtly gentleman. of
high local repute who spoke both for Memphis
and for the South. He extended, the repre-
sentative of the whole people of Memphis, a
hearty welcome, and presented not symbol
cally only. but in the substantial and
practical form, the freedom of the city. He
said:
You have recently participated in celebration of
the one hundredth anniversary of the formation of
the Constitution of the United States and you have
beheld the multitudes of fellowcountrymen
hocking every direction the spot where that
instrument was fashioned. and renewing their vows
human wisdom: Let me say SIR that the Southern
heart in full sympathy with that interesting
sion; and that nowhere in all this broad land will you
find more loyalty to the constitution of the United
States, and to the government created by it, than
among the people of the Southern States. Differences
of opinion TO its true theory and its proper con-
struction in points existed from its very
ton, and controversy has often been angry and bit
ter One great and important interest in the prog
ress of things became sectonalized. and out of it
Interpretation
were regarded by the Southern people so vital to
theirrights and interests that they committed their
solution to the arbtrament of arms But. Mr. Presi-
logic of events and they have. in
q. frank and manly way, accepted ed the result
dispute; and they have since labored with
age, fGttude and cheerfulness to accommodate them
selves to their new conditions to reconstruct their
broken fortunes and to contribute far possible
eourg resa the
conflict the theory of the right of State to withdraw
destructibity of the American union established
the frmest foundations The chief element of dis
cord has been removed forever: and though questions
will continue to arise about which men may differ.
and differ earnestly 1t is settled beyond appeal that
Tor all abuses and grievances that arise from the
action of the general government the remedy must
hereafter be sought within the pale of the Union and
tngushing feature of this occasion which invests it
with peculiar interest Heretofore presidential prog
have been without the grace and charm afforded by
the female presence and influence In these res ects
you are accompanied by Mrs. Cleveland and we are
glad of an opportunity to lay at her feet our tribute
women her presence is especially gratifying: They
proud to have such represent ative of their
the head of society the national capitol and to know
that in the discharge of all her duties she is constant
On behalf the ladies of Memphis. beg you pre-
sent to her their cordial and respectful sautations
To this the President replied as follows:
The city of Memphis presents neither settle
ment nor recent municipal creation. She has long
history full of vcisstude and dscouragng incident
Now the largest city in Tennessee its first growth has
illustrated the universal push and activity of its
people. have come from sightseeing in the
dertu West, to be still surprised in the South. From
marvellous growth, have come to see not only mar
velous growth, but astonishing recuperation. The
active trade upon your streets and in exchanges
tells only the tale of of the largest cotton markets
IN the world and OF one OF the most prosperous and
foursning cities of the South. Scarcely trace is
of the trials and discouragements through which
it passed in gaining its position and yet when
II bad, in 1867, by steady growth reached popna-
ton of thirty thousand it was occupied
by military force, and for four years thereafter
held fortified camp. During this time the people
were scattered aud its growth checked When. at
the close OF the war its citizens returned to their
homes, they courageousy set about repairing the
damage OF war and military occupation: Although
within ten years thereafter twice was this city atct-
ed with yellow fever. yet through these vista
tions her people struggled on, determined to over
come. In 1878, when once more apparently on the
high road to permanent prosperity this devoted city
malignant form than before. No wonder
thatn the renewed presence of this dire calamity its
suffering citizens fed for their lives. OF population
which. through all disbursements, had reached
forty thousand but about twenty thousar remained;
bic epidemic in two and half months. In this
ers bssh spa lighted u By the sn
Of brotherly love, and illuminated by
the kindly sympathy of generous Nation. From all
North and from the South, prompt and cheerful
help, supplying needs and alternating distress. Our
the modest traits of our national character were
quickened by your calamity. When the pestilence
exhausted by It's Vlrulence abandoned the city Its
people returned find their fourishing business
gone and the value of their property destroyed With
undimnist ed confidence in the future of their city
they submitted taxation for the improve
1nent of its sanitary condition, and abored to
gain their fortunes They secured system of
sewerage that not only promised them pro-
lection against pestilence, but which became
known throughout all the cities of the country.
Other extensive Improvements also made, and
the citizens of Memphis again their city
with wonderful strides pushn to municipal great
and prosperity. Her pc puation it is estimated
reaches than seventy thousand Inhabitants.
The merchants of Memphis will have in their hands
during the current year than 700. 900 bales of
cotton, valued at $50, 600 600. The annual product
of her cotton seed mills is the largest in the world,
and her banking capital and business in keeping
with her immense industries. while the value of real
estate in the city has nearly quite trebed since
1873. Thus have you conquered at last, and over
come the ravages OF and pestilence. You may
we'll fqygst all former Affections in the growth and
prosperity of the present remembering only that in
your drest extremity proof given you of the
brotherhood of the American people.